Copper Alloy CC490K vs ZCuZn31Al2
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy CC490K and ZCuZn31Al2 are both copper alloy grades. ZCuZn31Al2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for CC490K, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi). In exchange, CC490K is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 16% for ZCuZn31Al2, and ZCuZn31Al2 is harder (30 HRB vs 25 HRB). ZCuZn31Al2 is stiffer (98 GPa vs 90 GPa) and ZCuZn31Al2 conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 78 W/m·K). On the shop floor, CC490K machines more easily (very good vs fair) and ZCuZn31Al2 welds better (fair vs poor).
CC490KChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
ZCuZn31Al2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
CC490K vs ZCuZn31Al2: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all copper alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all copper alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 105 GPa15.2 Msi · Hardness, Brinell 65 HB · Hardness, Vickers 68 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | CC490K | ZCuZn31Al2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
CC490K vs ZCuZn31Al2 — frequently asked
Is ZCuZn31Al2 stronger than CC490K?
Yes. ZCuZn31Al2 has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for CC490K — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CC490K or ZCuZn31Al2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CC490K or ZCuZn31Al2?
CC490K. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against fair (50/100) for ZCuZn31Al2; for welding the order is ZCuZn31Al2 first (fair, 40/100) then CC490K (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CC490K and ZCuZn31Al2 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.